How to Improve Your Memory

As we get older, we tend to be more forgetful. We might forget our car keys, people’s name, or what we just studied for our test. It’s important to train our brain to retain information over a period of time, so that we can use it later. Here are six simple tips on how to improve your memory:

1. Repetition Is Key
To better improve your memory, try repeating the information over and over again until it finally sticks in your mind. At some point, the mind will store the information properly. If it’s hard remembering things, try using acronyms or pictures to help you recall certain information. This way, when you think of the acronym or a picture, you’ll easily recall the information from your memory bank.

2. Manage Stress Levels
If you’re stressed with work or your personal life, it can damage parts of the brain and have a negative impact on your memory. Regular physical exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help improve your mental condition, focus, reasoning, concentration, and other skills associated with a good memory. A little stress is good to help challenge yourself, but when it gets overwhelming, it can easily become detrimental.

3. Exercise Your Brain
Solving challenging activities such as riddles or puzzles can be a great brain exercise. Most adults have already developed millions of neural pathways that enable us to solve problems and process information. But as we continue to age, we are less likely to push ourselves to our limits to expand our neural networks. Thus, it’s important to find activities that are fun and engaging to learn and solve. If solving riddles and puzzles are not for you, then try learning a new language, playing an instrument, or learning a new sport.

4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Studies have shown that consuming alcohol can negatively affect your health and brain. Long term exposure to alcohol can even result in memory loss. If you are a heavy drinker, it can cause neurotoxic effects on the brain and hinder its growth.

5. Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is good for both your mind and body. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids are foods that can keep your mind and body healthy. In addition, drinking enough water and staying hydrated can help you stay awake and reduce fatigue. If you want to go beyond just eating simple and healthy foods, you can start taking supplements to further improve your mind and focus.

6. Be organized
This can also go hand-in-hand with stress. If you are messy or unorganized, then you’ll probably clutter your mind and have a harder time finding things. If you’re well-organized, you’ll tend to remember things easily and understand concepts better. With less stress and a more efficient system in place, you’ll hit fewer memory blocks and can improve your memory overall.